The haze of superstition before the lamp of knowledge. On the first day, the cheerful presence of children was missing from classrooms. What connection does the darkness of the moon have with education..?? Even in the age of AI, a mindset still surrendering to ignorance. On a day when books should have been in children’s hands, the shadows of a new moon (Amavasya) clouded some minds instead. At a time when the doors of knowledge had opened, the locks of superstition stopped children’s footsteps right at the school gate. Though the moon not being visible is merely a natural astronomical event, considering it a symbol of bad luck once again highlighted the unfortunate reality of ignorance overshadowing the light of education. While we say literacy has the power to drive away darkness, creating barriers to that same learning in the name of Amavasya has become an issue for society to introspect upon.
● Did Amavasya Win – Did Education Lose..??
School campuses that should have been bustling with children’s laughter after the summer holidays failed to witness the expected excitement last Monday. Even though the school bell rang, tiny footsteps did not make their way toward classrooms. There was only one reason Monday happened to be Amavasya. On a day that should have brightened children’s futures, parents became prisoners of dark beliefs. Asking, ‘Should we really send children to school on an Amavasya day..??’ they did not even allow them to step out of their homes. As a result, the lively atmosphere that should have filled school premises turned dull with poor attendance.
● If the Moon Is Invisible, Does Knowledge Also Disappear..??
Amavasya is simply a natural astronomical event. It is the day when the moon becomes invisible to us because the Earth, Moon and Sun align in a specific position. Science clearly states that it has no connection with good luck, bad luck, education, or knowledge. Yet preventing children from going to schools – the very places that teach science – creates a contradictory situation. On one hand, artificial intelligence is transforming the world; on the other, children are being kept at home in the name of Amavasya. It is important to recognize that the ignorance in our minds pulls society backward far more than the darkness of the moon ever could.
● The Bondage of Superstition Must Be Broken.
Education has the power to eliminate superstitions. Linking that very education with superstitious beliefs is not healthy for societal progress. There are no good or bad days for going to school, reading a book or learning a lesson. If the very elders who should teach children a scientific outlook fall prey to such beliefs, it sends the wrong message to the next generation. Every step a child takes through the school gate is a step toward the future. Sending children to school on Amavasya will cause no harm, but not sending them in the name of ignorance may leave a scar on their minds against scientific thinking. Society must realize that the time has come to understand this truth.